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Firearms instructor under investigation gun range death at Ohio prison training center

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Firearms instructor under investigation gun range death at Ohio prison training center


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The firearms instructor under investigation in the shooting death of a co-worker received stellar employee reviews, took dozens of training courses and climbed the ranks within the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, his personnel file shows.

David Pearson and another firearms instructor were set to lead a five-day class for state employees at the Corrections Training Academy in Pickaway County when Lt. Rodney Osborne was fatally shot in the chest on the first day of class on April 9.

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The Ohio State Highway Patrol said it is investigating the shooting as a possible reckless homicide. Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction placed Pearson on administrative leave April 10 while troopers investigate.

More on Ohio prison Lt. Rodney Osborne: Rodney Osborne, Ohio prison lieutenant fatally shot during training, remembered as hero

Pearson’s 1,519-page training and personnel file includes records of him acknowledging gun range safety rules, including “Treat all firearms as if they are loaded” and “Never point a firearm at any person unless you are prepared to shoot that person or unless participating in a controlled supervised training program.”

Osborne was shot at 11:10 a.m. when students were scheduled to take a lunch break.

Pearson could not be reached for comment.

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Witnesses have said the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction instructed them not to talk to the media. The patrol denied a request by The Dispatch to release the witness statements.

Who is David Pearson?

Over the years, Pearson’s supervisors described him as a hard worker who is trustworthy, reliable, and smart. Shortly after starting as a corrections officer in 2005, he joined the special response team.

He signed up for dozens of training courses, even beyond the mandatory classes. He moonlighted as an auxiliary police officer in Harveysburg, a shopping mall security officer in suburban Cincinnati and a hospital police officer at Kettering Health Hamilton.

In January 2021, the prison department promoted Pearson to west regional special operations commander. Pearson and William Bauer, the second instructor at the April 9 training, were scheduled to lead two dozen training courses at the prison Special Operations Center this year.

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Laura Bischoff is a reporter for the USA TODAY Network Ohio Bureau, which serves the Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and 18 other affiliated news organizations across Ohio.

jlaird@dispatch.com

@LairdWrites





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Ohio

Storm’s path of power outages and road closures

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Storm’s path of power outages and road closures


Piketon, Ohio (WSAZ) – Folks in southern Ohio are waking up to power outages and road closures.

Route 32 in Pike County is down to one westbound and one eastbound lane due to debris on the roadway.

Drivers are also dealing with tree limbs on roadways.

The Athens County 911 dispatcher told WSAZ that it’s not believed a tornado touched down, but there is storm damage.

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The dispatcher said storm damage from flooding and trees being knocked down has affected US 50.

Power outages are being reported in Athens, Pike, Vinton, Scioto and Meigs Counties and even as far south as Boyd County, Ky.

If you’re in a tornado warning area, you’re urged to get to the lower part of your home.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest.

Copyright 2026 WSAZ. All rights reserved.

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Clarence Burley, II, Youngstown, Ohio

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Clarence Burley, II, Youngstown, Ohio


YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Clarence Burley, II, affectionately known as “Lil Man,” entered eternal rest on Thursday, June 5, 2026, at the age of 60, at Summa Health Akron City Hospital in Akron, Ohio.

Born on May 22, 1966, in Youngstown, Ohio, Clarence was the beloved son of Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley.

He attended Ursuline High School and graduated with the Class of 1984.

Clarence was a hardworking and dedicated man who spent many years employed at Classic Optical Corporation as a Lens and Frame Specialist. Known for his skill and precision, he was recognized as one of the top lens shapers during his tenure with the company. He also worked for Goodwill Industries, where his exceptional work ethic earned him recognition and awards for outstanding service.

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A devoted fan of the Oakland Raiders, Clarence enjoyed football, boxing, roller skating, and bowling. In his younger years, he was also an accomplished swimmer. He loved life and cherished spending time with family and friends. Whether enjoying a cruise vacation, visiting the lake to admire the water, debating sports statistics from A to Z, or simply sharing laughter with loved ones, Clarence brought joy wherever he went.

Known for his impeccable style, Clarence was often dressed to perfection. He was especially proud of his many Cadillacs, but none more than his beloved Cadillac Seville, affectionately known as “the baby caddy.” He could often be found cruising through the city, listening to music and enjoying the ride. His infectious smile, strength, humor, and generous spirit will forever be remembered by those who knew and loved him.

In 1999, Clarence met the love of his life, the former Cathy Winphrie. Their friendship blossomed into a lasting bond, and they were united in holy matrimony in 2015. Together they shared a life filled with love, companionship, and cherished memories.

Clarence leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Cathy Burley; his children, Shannie (Meisha) Burley of Atlanta, Georgia; DeShawn Burley (fiancée Ziah) of Warren, Ohio; Eddie W. Matthews; and Montell Cochrane; his beloved grandchildren, Zaira, DeShawn, Jr., Deondra, Audrionna, Eddie, Jr., Quiara, Azel, Anyia, Marquel, Aiden, Adalese, Meadow, and Amatureas; five great-grandchildren; his mother-in-law, Eula Winphrie; brothers-in-law, James (Jamie) Winphrie and Timothy (Kori) Winphrie; sisters-in-law, Regina Winphrie and Azella Burley; niece Helleenia Winphrie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence L. Burley and Jacqueline Wilkinson-Burley; his brother, Wesley Burley; and his grandmother, Carrie Davis.

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Though Clarence’s earthly journey has ended, his legacy lives on through the lives he touched, the family he loved, and the countless memories he leaves behind. His strength, perseverance, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him.

“To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”2 Corinthians 5:8

A homegoing celebration will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 20, 2026 at Jerusalem Baptist Church , a visitation with the family will be 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Gregory-Martin Funeral Home. For additional information, please call (330) 743-4098.

To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.

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Couple charged in animal neglect case enter pleas

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Couple charged in animal neglect case enter pleas


WARREN, Ohio (WKBN) – A couple that was charged after investigators say they abandoned two dogs and a cat at an apartment in Warren entered guilty pleas in Warren Municipal Court this week.

Courtney Iser pleaded guilty to three counts of abandoning animals and two counts of cruelty to companion animals, and Isaiah Gilbert pleaded guilty to two counts of cruelty to companion animals. Sentencing is set for July 7.

The two were charged in May after the animals were found in unsafe and unhealthy conditions without food or water at an apartment on South Street SE. Police were called to the apartment on reports that the animals had been left without care. Iser was charged first, and Gilbert was charged a short time later.

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